Donald L. Bailey

Donald Lee Bailey, 68, of Harrisburg, PA, passed away on August 1, 2024. He was the son of Lewis Bailey and Wilbert Lee Bailey, a Harrisburg High School Class of 1974 graduate, and a 1979 Tulane University in New Orleans, LA graduate earning his Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration. 

He began his career as a structural designer at Mobil Oil Co. in New Orleans, LA. In 1984, Donald formed Atlantis Corporation to pioneer his dream of building the first floating hotel & casino. “Atlantis” was a featured exhibitor at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans for over 6 months. In 1985, Donald was a designer in Burbank, CA with Walt Disney's Imagination Department. He also worked for a short time in Los Angeles, CA for the Department of Water and Power. 

In the late 1980’s, Don was relentless to build his floating hotel. He began pursuing the chance to buy a resort on the Island of Bora Bora, Tahiti that comprised of 20 beachfront bungalows where he could build his luxury floating Hotel. He also meet with the local officials to permit him to build his dream hotel, next to one of the largest ships in the World - The Queen Mary docked on the shore lines of Long Beach, California.

After the World’s Fair, Donald became an advocate and lobbied to change Louisiana Legislation so he could build one of his designs in New Orleans East at South Shore Harbor. In 1992, Louisiana State Legislation was passed, and Donald presented a proposal to become the first floating hotel & casino in New Orleans. After several months of negotiations with former Governor Edwin Edwards who was later incarcerated for racketeering, the Governor’s behavior cost Atlantis Corporation the chance to become the first gambling casino in the State of Louisiana. 

 In 1996, he expanded his dream and became the Owner/Operator of Atlantis Gaming Corporation. Don created the third online casino in the United States (www.atlantisgamingcorporation.com) until his death in 2024. Throughout the years, he worked with many celebrities in the fields of sports, music and entertainment to design online casinos with their likeness. 

 In 2004, Don’s company Atlantis Internet Group Corporation (ATIG.PK) became a publicly traded company on the Pink Sheets where stocks trade over-the-counter in the United States.

Beginning around 2005, Atlantis companies were known as Gaming provider giants. Don was frequently invited to speak at worldwide conferences about the e-gaming revolution and how his platform would reach customers.

In 2006, Don introduced a Motown themed online casino with star studded hosts like; Four Tops, Marvelettes, Freda Payne, Teena Marie. This event was held in Detroit, MI during the week of Super Bowl XL when Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10.

 In 2009, Don created the Casino Gateway Network that was approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). This patent pending product linked Class III, Class II and online games to Tribal Native American Indian gaming facilities in 28 States. 

 In 2017, Atlantis & Partners, entered into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of Kenner, LA to develop one of the largest minority owned developments in the State of Louisiana. This luxury waterfront development included hotel space, French quarter boardwalk, retail shops, restaurants, amphitheater and plans to be a licensed a casino.

In 2019, Don negotiated a joint venture agreement with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This partnership was to produce an online gaming venture that featured retired NFL players, coaches and their families.

Long before DraftKings and FanDuel ever existed, Don developed a Daily Fantasy Sports product with casino games and sportsbook named Thunderball. Until his death, he was working to launch “Ask-a-Pro” with the assistance of Retired Football Quarterback Warren Moon, Former Boxer Roy Jones, Retired Basketball player A.C. Green and others.

 Donald was a chivalrous, compassionate, generous, kindhearted, smart, classy and debonair man. He was known for being a magnanimous businessman. His ideas and visions were far ahead of his time. He was an avid collector of sports memorabilia and sports fanatic who loved world-wide traveling. 

Donald is survived by his wife and life partner of 43 years, Linda I. Snyder Bailey of Harrisburg; two sons Quincy Miller (Jenna), of Milton, MA, and Donovan Bailey, of Harrisburg, PA; two granddaughters, Kyla and Taya Miller; two siblings Louise Dunbar and Richard Bailey (Rosie) both of Harrisburg, PA. He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Bailey and his mother, Wilbert Lee Bailey; one brother Leroy Bailey and two sisters Janet and Vivian Lee Bailey.

The Memorial Service for Donald L. Bailey will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Harrisburg, PA. Immediately following the service, the family will receive loved ones and friends in the church basement fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Donald's name and sent to: 

Hooper Memorial Home, Inc.

3532 Walnut Street

Harrisburg, PA 17109

Zoom Link for Donald Bailey's Celebration of Life

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81024759529?pwd=aMo7Q0nWSdIKRhX9uSm0Iv0wsClzhR.1